Richard Petty Driving Experience Question

[wannabee princess]

I am planning a day for this for dh and fil in Dec. For those of you who have experienced this - do we need to allow more than 3 hours? What do the "fans" do during this time? I am wondering how the family members (who will be watching only) will do with so much "down" time at an attraction.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Although I don't know the answers to your questions, I definitely share your concerns. The difference is, I'll get the answers first hand in a month. DH is signed up for 5/24 and I'll be sure to post when I get back.

 

[kilee]

DH did this in March. He loved it. He had the 8 am package and we actually didn't end up leaving until about 11:30 am. He had a full class though, something like 20-25 people. DS (11) and I went with him. We pretty much sat in the stands and watched everyone. Honestly, other than when it was DH's turn, it was boring. But that was just my opinion. Even when it was DH's turn, you can only see something like 1/3 of the track. I would do it again, because it made DH soooo happy. But, bring a friend/relative to talk to. My husband was so intent on watching the other cars we didn't talk too much.

 

[clkelley]

My BIL did this last April and had a blast!!

He was in the early morning class also. We dropped him off at the track and went to Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours, (it was EE that day), then went to the track about 10:00. He called us on the cell phone when the classroom stuff was over.

We had a car which made it easier to run back and forth. Richard Petty does have a van that runs back and forth between the Kennel at the TTC and the track.

We thought it was kind of neat. You are right there next to where the drivers get in and out of the cars, it is quite loud. I was afraid you would be in some tall grandstand or something, but you are very close to the track.

We then stuck around for the graduation ceremony and went back to the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day.

Carol

 

[Vavasmon]

Dh did this on April 9. He went by himself (taxi to the RPDE and
their van back to the TTC from there to the WL).

DD and I had a girls morning (breakfast, a few autographs, and she did Grand Adventures in Cooking at the GF).

His RPDE ended about 11:30 (also a full class). He was back at the WL about 12:15.

I couldn't imagine sitting in the stands for three hours watching others drive.

 

[wannabee princess]

Great information everyone! So if we let them go to the track alone and then call us after the classroom portion, we could save ourselves the boring sitting around?! How long does each driver's time last?

clkelley - So, the classroom portion is 2 hours? Wow! That would definitely leave time for a nice relaxing morning for everyone else! What does the driver get for graduation?

Vavasmon - love the girl's morning idea! I'll have to think about what I can do with my ds's.

 

[clkelley]

A certificate and the opportunity to purchase pictures, and they announce who went the fastest and lot's of promotions for their sponsors, and a 5% discount for the next time they want to do the drive, and lot's of men "Tim Taylor" style congratulating themselves

Carol

 

[Dopey's Girl]

sounds like a good time for the "boys". My DH and his dad would be thrilled with this experience I think. Can I get more info from anyone? How much? How far out are they booked?

I think if they went they might look like this...

 

[chipnwendy]

Might I add another suggestion? I guess this all hinges on several things, like whether you are devoting the day for your husband & father in law to do this, and whether or not you are going to have a car at your disposal, but about 45 minutes up Interstate 4, there is a little place called Daytona, and they have a speedway up there as well. Maybe y'all have heard of it? Anyway, the Richard Petty crew also does the same stuff up there as at the WDW Speedway, and it is the most incredible experience for anyone who lives vicariously through their favorite NASCAR driver. I've done it before, and there is no comparison to driving close to 160 miles per hour on the famed high banks at Daytona. When I was done, I felt like I was following in the footsteps of Richard Petty himself. I doubt that King Richard ever drove a car at Walt Disney World.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience has a website that describes everything that goes on at the speedways. If this sounds like something feasible, I highly suggest checking it out.

 

[d4est]

I was thinking about doing this for my hubby when we go down in Feb. We will be traveling with friends, thought this would be a good "guys only" activity (while the ladies & kids are at the parks)and would surprise my hubby with the ressie info as a Christmas gift...

Have your DH's thouroughly enjoyed this? Worth the $$, would do it again??

 

[clkelley]

Actually Richard has driven on the track at WDW. There are several pictures around the place showing him there and driving on the track. He obviously hasn't raced there, but he has been there.

The pricing starts at about $90 for the ride along, around $350 for the beginner driving experience, and goes up from there.

Carol

 

[d4est]

I am considering the rookie experience---getting him behind the wheel would be a thrill for him!! Is this package highly recommended or should I look at something else?

 

[clkelley]

My BIL did the Rookie experience and loved it!!

Just a FYI, when you book, they charge your CC immediately and it is nonrefundable, but will be good forever at any Richard Petty across the country.

Be sure an book the experience early in your trip, so that if it is raining that day, you can reschedule for later in your trip, otherwise, you'll have to wait until your next visit to WDW, or find a Richard Petty track elsewhere to do the drive.

Carol

 

[d4est]

glad to hear that!! And thanks for the tips!

 

[chipnwendy]

Bump